Red Sox to host 2008 Postseason Rally

Fans can come to Fenway on Monday to cheer on team

By Mark Remme / MLB.com

BOSTON -- It's beginning to seem more and more like clockwork around Fenway Park, but make no mistake: No one seems to mind the regularity of this event.

The Red Sox will host their 2008 Postseason Rally presented by Bank of America on Monday, celebrating the team's fifth postseason appearance in the past six seasons. The Sox will open Gate D at Fenway at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the first 2,500 fans to enter receiving a coupon good for a free hot dog and soda -- compliments of ARAMARK at the Fenway concession stands.

The Rally will be broadcast live on NESN, then replayed again at 8 p.m. on Monday night. Since 2003, the Sox have played postseason baseball each season except for 2006. They won the World Series in 2004 and 2007.

Boston clinched its 2008 playoff berth on Tuesday with a 5-4 win over the Cleveland Indians, then officially became the American League Wild Card winner, despite losing to the Yankees on Friday. The Sox will begin the 2008 playoffs by facing the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday in Anaheim for Game 1 of the AL Division Series.

The Rally will be hosted by NESN play-by-play commentator Don Orsillo, NESN on-field reporter Heidi Watney and NESN studio analyst Lou Merloni. Principle owner John W. Henry, chairman Tom Werner, president/CEO Larry Lucchino and manager Terry Francona will all be part of the event, as well as Red Sox coaches and players.

Video tributes and montages to the 2008 Red Sox will be shown on the center-field video board, and live entertainment will be presented by local Roxbury band, Quest.

This will be the fourth time in the last five years that Boston has had a Postseason Rally, with the 2004 and 2005 events taking place at Fenway Park and the 2007 event held at Boston's City Hall Plaza.

Major League Baseball began such rallies in 2004. Celebrations take place for each of the eight teams that advance to postseason play each season, allowing fans and players to join together and commemorate a chance to compete for the World Series.

Mark Remme is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.